elevated CA-125 and complex cyst

[jader96]

Hi there,
To make a long story short, I am a 35 year old who underwent a TAH in 2005.  The gyne decided to leave my left ovary intact since it showed no serious concerns.  I started having some severe left pelvic pain in December 08.  I was diagnosed as having an ovarian cyst in January.  On Febuary 10th, the pain got to the point where it was unbearable and I started having some vaginal bleeding (after TAH???).  I was very worried.  My husband brought me to emerge and they kept me there for 3 days.  The only thing they said after all that time was that my cyst had grown since January and that I was to have another ultra sound in 6 weeks.  Okay so by then we are in March.  My gyne thought it best to remove the cyst since my pelvic pain is just getting worse.  She sent me for a CA-125 and my results came back at 300iu/ml.  I had two ultrasounds yesterday (pelvic and transvaginal) and a CT scan.  Both showed three ovarian cysts, one of them being complex.  I have now been refered to a gyne/oncologist for further treatment.  What should I expect?  I am very worried!  Should this be removed soon?  I still don't have a surgery date.

Thanks for your time
Julie

[jader96]

Thank you so much for your response.  A TAH is a total abdominal hysterectomy.  The only part left is my ovary.  I love your suggestions!  I would have never thought to bring a recorder with me to play back the conversations.  I will definitely keep reading as much as I can in order to educate myself in order to make the best decision all around.  Thank you for your kind words.  I will keep you in my thoughts also.

Julie
:)

[Angie_Lou]

Dear Julie,

I don't really know what TAH is without researching so I can't comment on this.  but, I was dx with OVCA, stage 3C in April of 2007.  FYI: I consulted with two gyn-oncologists before I made my decision.

My suggestion are:
1) check out the FAQs and such from our Health pages to be ready with questions.
2) Have someone (or more the better) go to the consultation with you.
3) Have a recording device so that you can review at home all that was discussed.  If this is unavailable, a pen and pad for all that attend the consultation with you.  Or do both to be on the safe side.
4) Talk with as many family members and friends and get their input as they are your support group.  you are not alone in the decision making, but the final decision will be yours and you have to be comfortable with your decision.

Comments:
1) Only a gyn-onc can determine if the ultrasounds and CT scan indicates the suspicion of ovarian cancer, and based on what the gyn-onc reviews, he/she will give you the best option for your condition in detail.  If the gyn-onc does not give you details, you ask and ask and ask until all your questions are answered. This is your life.
2) After I made my decision on the gyn-onc, I set the surgery date for 1 1/2 weeks later to get my personal and work affairs in order.  After all, with stage 3C, my cancer wasn't going to change to stage 4 at that point.

When I was originally told "until otherwise proven, we are calling this ovarian cancer" by my regular gyn, I guess I was just numb, let my brain kick in as if I was doing this for someone else and made all the add'l appts within the same week for consultations.  I listened to both gyn-oncs with a clear mind, not dwelling on that I had cancer and based on only a couple of points in those consulations, made my decision.

If it turns out you do have OVCA (and this is not determined, yet), your gyn-onc surgeon will be your life saver and your very best doctor for years to come until you no longer have OVCA. So, whatever you decide, be sure you are absolutely comfortable with the gyn-onc you choose.

My very best to you,  Angie